Fri 5th Sep 2008
- Bogota Travel Guide & City Information
Most visitors begin their trip to Colombia in the capital: Bogotá. Also known as Santa Fe de Bogotá or Athenas of South America. The city is set at an altitude of over 2700 m (>8000 feet) with high ranges of the Cordillera to the east. You may need some time to adjust to this altitude, especially if you are coming from lower parts of the country or flying in.
Most of the sights of the city are in the historic central neighborhood of La Candelaria. The Plaza Bolivar is a one of the principal squares and it is where the seat of government is located. The buildings around it are built in colonial style with wide-eaved balconies. Nearby is the cathedral which is worth a visit.
Bogotás most breathtaking museum is the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum). For more information on this museum and others visit our museums section. Downtown Bogotá with shops, offices and bank is also an interesting area to stroll around. Most of the best hotels are located in the North of the city. The same applies for the better restaurants. Possible day trips from Bogotá include a trip to the salt mines of Zipaquira ), where you would find a whole cathedral built inside the salt mines.